Ashen Blade

The Ashen Blade is a longsword steeped in ancient power and bound to the legendary Ashen Riders, a mysterious order of warriors who traverse the lands on steeds forged from the fires of the underworld itself. This weapon is said to have been crafted in the heart of an ancient volcano, imbued with the essence of fire and death. It is a blade that commands the forces of both destruction and resurrection, with a connection to the souls of the departed and the flames that burn between life and death. Its dark, ethereal appearance belies its devastating power and its ability to bind the soul of its wielder to the fires of eternity.

The blade itself is an elegant yet ominous weapon, with a dark metal blade that gleams with an unholy light, almost as if the sword is forged from the ashes of a long-lost soul. The hilt is wrapped in shadowy leather, and the crossguard resembles a pair of outstretched wings, giving the weapon an ethereal, almost angelic appearance—though it is as deadly as any forged weapon. The Ashen Blade seems to pulse with an otherworldly heat, leaving behind a trail of smoky, ethereal wisps wherever it moves. Those who wield it are often said to be both feared and revered, as the Ashen Blade is as much a symbol of power as it is a harbinger of death.

Weapon Properties:

• Weapon Type: Longsword (requires attunement by a creature that is not evil)
• Damage: 1d8 slashing damage (1d10 slashing damage if wielded with two hands)
• Magic Weapon: The Ashen Blade is a magic weapon that grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it.

Special Properties:

1. Ashen Fury:
   When you hit a creature with the Ashen Blade, you can choose to deal an additional 2d6 fire damage. Additionally, the target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 17) or be burned by the blade’s flames, taking 1d6 fire damage at the start of each of its turns for 1 minute. A creature can only be affected by this ability once per short rest.
2. Soulbinder:
   When you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with the Ashen Blade, you can choose to bind the creature's soul to the sword. The creature's soul remains tethered to the blade for 24 hours, preventing the creature from being revived by any means until the soul is released. Once per long rest, you can spend a bonus action to release a bound soul, causing it to temporarily manifest as a shadowy wraith that serves you for 1 hour. While in this form, the wraith can attack, provide assistance, and spy for you. The wraith has the following stats:
   • Armor Class: 15
   • Hit Points: 20
   • Speed: 40 ft.
   • Damage Immunities: Necrotic, Psychic
   • Ability Scores: Strength 10, Dexterity 16, Constitution 10, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 14, Charisma 16
   • Actions: Life Drain (Melee Weapon Attack): +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d6 necrotic damage. The target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 14) or lose 1d6 hit points for 1 minute.
3. Ember's Call:
   As an action, you can invoke the full might of the Ashen Blade, causing it to emit a brilliant wave of flame and ash in a 15-foot cone in front of you. Each creature in the cone must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 17), taking 6d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. After using this ability, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
4. Rider’s Resurgence:
   When attuned to the Ashen Blade, you gain the ability to call upon the power of the Ashen Riders. As a reaction, when you are reduced to 0 hit points, you can activate the Rider’s Resurgence, causing the blade to flare with fiery energy. You immediately regain hit points equal to half your maximum hit points and gain resistance to all damage until the start of your next turn. You can use this ability once per long rest.
5. Smoldering Presence:
   While attuned to the Ashen Blade, you emanate an aura of smoldering heat and death. Any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of you takes 1d6 fire damage (this damage increases to 2d6 when the blade is ignited with Ashen Fury). Additionally, your vision becomes attuned to the realm of the dead, granting you advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to detect undead or creatures from the Shadowfell or the Plane of Fire.

History and Significance:

The Ashen Blade is more than just a weapon—it is a symbol of both the righteous and the fallen. It is said to have been forged by the first of the Ashen Riders, an ancient order of warriors who swore an oath to protect the realm from the forces of death, fire, and shadow. The Riders are now mostly legends, their numbers dwindled to almost nothing, but their power and influence linger in the ashes of their existence. It is said that only those who are worthy—warriors who understand the destructive power of the blade—can wield the Ashen Blade.

The weapon was once held by a great king who led his people to victory against an onslaught of undead and demonic forces, but after his death, the Ashen Blade was lost to history, buried deep within a volcanic temple. Many have sought it, but few have returned. The blade remains hidden, awaiting the next worthy soul who can withstand its fire and wield its devastating power. Those who claim it must understand its dangerous nature—while it offers great strength, the blade demands respect and responsibility, for it has the potential to burn the soul as well as the enemy.

Usage in Gameplay:

The Ashen Blade is ideal for characters who wish to wield both arcane and martial prowess, particularly those with a connection to elemental magic, destruction, or the forces of death. It is suited to paladins, warriors, or any adventurer who seeks a weapon that combines raw power with supernatural abilities. The Soulbinder ability offers a unique way to interact with defeated foes, turning their spirits into allies or tools for your advantage. However, wielding the Ashen Blade comes with a great responsibility, and players should consider the implications of its powers—whether they are using it for good or wielding it in a way that could bring destruction to themselves or the world.

In a campaign focused on the themes of fire, death, and redemption, the Ashen Blade can serve as a central element, driving the character’s story forward as they battle monsters, uncover forgotten histories, and ultimately face the consequences of wielding such immense power.

Proficiency with a Longsword allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.

Notes: Bonus: Magic, Damage: Fire, Advantage: Perception, creature that is not evil, Damage, Buff, Combat, Versatile, Sap